Catatonic was the ride of choice of the "Official" City of St. Pete Beach
Santa Clause

His destination was appropriately enough, the Merry Pier (real name) at
Pass-a-Grille

It was a special night. In addition to Santa, other dignitaries aboard
Catatonic
included Jerry Garcia at the helm....

And Sponge Bob served double duty as flag waver and bar tender

Jim and Audrey Kaufman wish Santa well as he departs Catatonic at the Merry
Pier,
where he will greet a swarm of kids at this traditional Pass-a-Grille
location.
Parade co-chairman Shaun Hurley makes sure Santa gets to his destination
safely.
This local tradition of Santa Clause arriving at the Merry Pier by boat
was begun by local legend Silas Dent nearly 75 years ago.

Santa is now ashore, but several frisky reindeer remained aboard to liven up the parade